JIM FARLEY, WHO has produced the Marin County Fair for more than three decades, is planning his last festival this summer as chief executive officer of Cultural and Visitor Affairs at the Civic Center, where he oversees Marin Center operations.

"I love my job of bringing joy into people's lives and making things happen here year-round," he says. But all things must come to an end, and 59-year-old Farley, who began his county career as an usher at Marin Center in 1974, is retiring in July. Recruitment is under way to replace him.

"Having booked over 700 performers for the Marin County Fair and Marin Center Presents and attended over 1,200 performances, it is the right time to pass the torch," Farley says.

His last fair, dubbed "the Happiest Fair on Earth," will run July 2 to 6, opening with a performance by Huey Lewis and the News. Other acts include Night Ranger, Elvin Bishop and Joan Jett.

Q: Why are you retiring?

A: It's time. This year marks my 40th year of employment with the county. ... I have had a rich and varied career.

Q: What's next?

A: I want to spend a week in Naples, Italy, and learn to make pizza. I will be a hero for our two young kids and my wife, if I can cover dinner a night or two a week. Professionally, I hope to find a way to serve my community through arts, cultural and family-oriented events.

Q: What do you think about plans for traffic, bicycle, landscaping and farmers market improvements at the Civic Center?

A: These projects can make the Marin Center campus ... a magnet gathering place. I see a future with colorful outdoor furniture, a path circling the lake, food trucks, farmers markets, art installations and early morning tai chi classes, a beehive of the best of community places I see worldwide.

Q: What's one thing about county government you would change?

A: I would support more ways to recognize and support innovation ... providing the resources to let teams collaborate and take responsible chances. Local governments need to find better and more cost-effective ways to serve residents using the latest tech tools.

Q: Any parting observations? What's the biggest lesson learned?

A: Often great ideas and projects take time, especially in the public sector. Patience is a necessary virtue for public service.